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62 EASTERN HORIZON | NEWS

to understand their natural tendencies and The Buddha teaches that true and lasting
recognize which of these virtues they can happiness can only come by seeing the illusory
practice more easily than others. Then as they nature of sense pleasure and giving them up.
progress the other virtues will be more easily When sense pleasure is given up the result is
developed. Eventually more can be added to that the mind becomes calm and serene.
the upward spiral which will culminate in the
development of a noble being with god-like We can see from this that the Buddha refers
qualities. However it is important to note that to two kinds of happiness—the ‘ignoble’
this kind of happiness is not the final goal of which although desirable in the short term
the Buddhist path. The final goal is ‎nibbāna, a refers to mundane happiness. Because it
state which arises from the total purification is impermanent it is ultimately a source of
of the mind by eradicating the three disappointment and suffering. However,
defilements of delusion, greed and hatred. ‘noble’ happiness which comes with the
attainment of nibbāna is not subject to change
According to the Buddha the reason why and is therefore irreversible.
human beings cannot find happiness in
this life is because they wrongly believe There are two kinds of happiness, O monks,
that happiness lies in the satisfaction of Of the noble and ignoble -the noble is higher.
sensual desires. Giving in to the demands of Of bodily and mental happiness—the mental
the senses can only result in pleasure. But is higher. (AN 2:68-70).
because pleasure is dependent on the senses
which are in a constant state of change it is Happiness is a matter of the mind. Guard
always unsatisfactory, leaving one constantly it well and heaven will be with you. But a
demanding for more. Therefore this greater happiness awaits you when you
‘happiness’ is actually a source of suffering. transcend the demands of this world. EH

Are you searching for a spiritually challenging work?

Do you enjoy meeting fellow Dharma practitioners, Buddhist leaders, and Dharma
masters? Would you like to introduce the latest Buddhist book you read recently?
How about researching into the latest web-sites on Buddhist activities around the
world? And of course, what about telling us how you first came in contact with
the dharma and what the dharma means to you today. Well, if you find all of these
interesting, we can make it spiritually challenging for you too!

In every issue of EASTERN HORIZON, we publish special chat sessions with leading
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and activities that are of interest to the Buddhist community. We need someone
to help us in all these projects. If you are keen to be part of this exciting magazine,
please e-mail to the editor at Bennyliow@gmail.com, and we will put you in touch
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